Protection Against Pride

"There is protection against pride, that source of disunity. It is to see the bounties which God pours upon us not only as a mark of His favor but an opportunity to join with those around us in greater service." -President Henry B Eyring (09/2008 Ensign, p.9)

Nothing Useless

"The Lord has given us nothing that is useless or unnecessary. He has filled the scriptures with the things which we should do in order that we may gain salvation."
-President J. Reuben Clark, Jr. (1871-1961), (09/08 Ensign, p. 7)

Continuing Revelation

Yesterday, I taught Relief Society in the Pioneer Ward. So, I thought I would share a quote I used in my lesson.

“Since that momentous day in 1820, additional scripture has continued to come, including the numerous and vital revelations flowing in a never-ending stream from God to his prophets on the earth. ...We testify also that there is, since 1830 when The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was organized, and will continue to be, so long as time shall last, a prophet, recognized of God and his people, who will continue to interpret the mind and will of the Lord” - Spencer W. Kimball

The main point of the lesson is that we need to heed the words of the living Prophet just as closly, if not more so, than ancient prophets. Thomas S. Monson is receiving divine revelation for our specific circumstances in this day and age. We should study and act on his words just as we do the prophets of old.

What am I Learning?

Doctrine & Covenants 122:7: "And if thou shouldst be cast into the pit, or into the hands of murderers, and the sentence of death passed upon thee; if thou be cast into the deep; if the billowing surge conspire against thee; if fierce winds become thine enemy; if the heavens gather blackness, and all the elements combine to hedge up the way; and above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good."

When ever times are difficult, I always try to think of this scripture. There are two reasons: First, it makes me realize things could always be worse, but second, and more importantly, what can I learn from this situation? What is the lesson that I need so that I can grow in faith and strengthen my testimony. All of our trials are given to us to perfect us. It says many times in the scriptures that blessings come after the trial of our faith. I truly believe that. We are always better and stronger after having experienced "the refiners fire".

Happy Day!
-Jeri

“Now for persons to do things, merely because they are advised to do them, and yet murmur all the time they are doing them, is of no use at all; they might as well not do them. There are those who profess to be Saints who are too apt to murmur, and find fault, when any advice is given, which comes in opposition to their feelings, even when they, themselves, ask for counsel; much more so when counsel is given unasked for, which does not agree with their notion of things; but brethren, we hope for better things from the most of you; we trust that you desire counsel, from time to time, and that you will cheerfully conform to it, whenever you receive it from a proper source.”
-Joseph Smith, Kirtland Temple Dedication, 03/27/1836

Forgiveness

"Of all the challenges we face, perhaps the greatest is a misguided sense that mortality goes on forever and that we can postpone until tomorrow the seeking and offering of forgiveness, which as the Gospel of Jesus Christ teaches, are among mortality's central purpose...And in the end, repenting and forgiving are among God's chief requirements of us."
-Elder Lance B. Wickman
Of the Seventy
April 2008 General Conference

At times, I find it harder to forgive than to ask forgiveness. That is a fault I struggle with. But as Elder Wickman says, that is one of our chief responsibilities on Earth.

Happy Day! -Jeri

The Desires of our Heart

"One of the most comforting passages in all of the scriptures for me is in the 137th section of the Doctrine and Covenants, verse 9, where we are told that the Lord will judge us according to our works and according to the desires of our hearts."
- Elder Dallin H. Oaks, Worldwide Leadership Training, 02/09/08

It is comforting to know that we will be blessed for our desire to do good. Now, that is not a pass for laziness, but an acknowledgment that no matter how hard we try, we might not be completely successful. The Lord is on our side. He knows us and loves us and the desires of our heart are known to him.

Happy day!
-Jeri

Fear Not

The theme of our Sunday Sacrament meeting was overcoming fear. All three talks were excellent, but one scripture in Scott Reynolds' talk really stood out for me.

Isaiah 41:10
"Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness."

I really believe that the Lord is always with us. He is always holding our hand and he always wants us to know of his love and comfort.

I also loved Sister Whitten's comment. She talked about that as a parent, she would be sad if her children didn't turn to her if they needed comfort or had sinned and needed help with repentance. How must the Lord feel in the same situation.

"My Words Never Cease"

This is a great talk by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland from April General Conference. As I prepare to teach Relief Society on 8/17, I came across this talk and really love some quotes I found.

"We believe in a God who is engaged in our lives, who is not silent, who is not absent."

"This church answers the challenge Ralph Waldo Emerson put to the students of the Havard Divinity School 170 years ago. [He] pled that they teach "that God is, not was; that he speaketh, not spake."."

How blessed I feel everyday to know that our Father in Heaven is concerned with me and my life every day. That my every concern and need are known by him and that he blesses me and my family.

{HUGS} - Jeri

Preparation and Food Storage

So, today I don't actually have a quote to add but just a thought I have been having...

So much of the media keeps talking about the price of food and gas. They talk about all the people who can't afford to eat healthy food or must forgo buying meat and extras in order to make ends meet. Every time I hear this, the thought pops into my mind, if we all had our food storage, this would never be an issue. I know this is a simplistic way of looking at things, but the truth of the matter is that sometimes unexpected things happen. If we are not prepared than we will have to make hard choices: medicine or food? Mortgage payment or car payment?

I guess I just want to encourage everyone to work on their preparedness plans. Get you food supply in and have some savings. Be prepared for a rainy day.After all, we all know that it is going to rain at some point, so lets be prepared.

{HUGS} - Jeri

Finding Happiness

"Don't wait for happiness to be thrust upon you. Seek it out in service and learning. Trust in the Lord. Follow King Benjamin's advice to call "on the name of the Lord daily, and [stand] steadfastly in the faith of that which is to come".'

-Elder Dallin H. Oaks
June 2006 Ensign

I love that this quote shows that happiness is available for everyone. We just have to go out and find it. It also shows that happiness is not necessarily having fun. Happiness is found in good works and self-improvement.